Legal blindness in the United States is defined as having an eye prescription of 20/200 or worse in the better eye with corrective lenses, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less.

Legal blindness is a specific level of vision loss defined by law to determine eligibility for certain services and benefits. It is important to note that being legally blind does not mean a person has total blindness; rather, it indicates a significant level of visual impairment.

Understanding the criteria for legal blindness is crucial for recognizing the severity of visual impairment. It helps in accessing necessary support, including disability benefits and specialized services designed to aid those with significant vision loss.

Criteria for Legal Blindness

Central Visual Acuity 

Central visual acuity refers to the clarity or sharpness of vision when looking directly at an object. It is typically measured using an eye chart, technically referred to as a Snellen chart, which displays letters of decreasing size. The standard measure of normal vision is 20/20. Legal blindness is defined as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye with corrective lenses. This means that while a person with normal vision can see from 200 feet away, a legally blind person can only see clearly from 20 feet away. If a person’s central visual acuity cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 with glasses or contact lenses, they are considered legally blind. This severe limitation impacts their ability to perform daily tasks that rely on clear central vision.

Visual Field 

The visual field encompasses the entire area a person can see when looking straight ahead, including peripheral vision. Visual field tests measure the range of vision and detect any areas where sight is reduced or lost. Legal blindness can also be determined by a visual field of 20 degrees or less, often described as tunnel vision. Individuals with this condition have very limited peripheral vision, making it difficult to see objects not directly in front of them. Several eye conditions can reduce the visual field, including retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, and optic nerve damage. These conditions can severely restrict a person’s ability to navigate and be aware of their surroundings.

Common Causes of Legal Blindness

Eye Diseases Leading to Legal Blindness 

Several eye diseases can lead to legal blindness by affecting either central visual acuity or the visual field. Understanding these conditions can help in early detection and management.

• Macular Degeneration: This condition affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. It leads to a loss of central vision, making tasks like reading and recognizing faces difficult. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form and a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision impairment and, in severe cases, legal blindness. Diabetic retinopathy often progresses without early warning signs, highlighting the importance of regular eye exams for individuals with diabetes.
• Glaucoma: This group of eye conditions damages the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure. Glaucoma can lead to a gradual loss of peripheral vision, and without treatment, it can result in tunnel vision or even total blindness.

Other Factors Contributing to Legal Blindness 

Beyond eye diseases, other factors can also contribute to significant vision loss that meets the criteria for legal blindness.

• Retinitis Pigmentosa: A genetic disorder that causes the breakdown and loss of cells in the retina. This condition typically leads to a gradual decline in peripheral vision, night vision difficulties, and eventual tunnel vision.
• Severe Refractive Errors: Extreme cases of nearsightedness or farsightedness can contribute to legal blindness if they cannot be corrected with standard prescription eyewear. These severe refractive errors interfere with visual acuity and the ability to perform daily tasks.
• Accidents and Injuries: Traumatic events that cause significant damage to the eyes or optic nerve can lead to sudden and irreversible vision loss. These cases highlight the importance of eye protection in hazardous environments.

Living with Legal Blindness

Daily Life and Challenges 

Living with legal blindness presents numerous challenges that affect daily activities and overall quality of life. Tasks that people with normal vision may take for granted can become significant obstacles.

• Impact on Daily Tasks: Legal blindness can make it difficult to perform everyday activities such as reading, writing, cooking, and navigating unfamiliar environments. People with legal blindness often need to develop new strategies and use assistive devices to complete these tasks.
• Assistive Devices and Visual Aids: To help manage daily activities, many people with legal blindness rely on various assistive devices and visual aids. These can include magnifiers, screen readers, braille displays, and specialized software that enhances contrast or reads text aloud. These tools can greatly enhance a person’s ability to live independently and maintain their quality of life.

Legal and Financial 

Support Understanding the support available to those with legal blindness is crucial for accessing the resources needed to manage the condition effectively.

• Disability Benefits: Individuals who are legally blind may be eligible for disability benefits through programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These benefits provide financial assistance to help cover living expenses and medical costs.
• Financial Assistance: Additional financial aid may be available through various organizations and government programs designed to support those with vision impairments. These programs can help cover the cost of assistive devices, rehabilitation services, and other essential resources.

The Importance of Regular Eye Care 

Maintaining regular eye care is essential for individuals with legal blindness to preserve their remaining vision and prevent further deterioration.

• Routine Eye Exams: Regular eye exams are crucial for monitoring eye health and detecting any changes in vision. Eye doctors can provide valuable guidance on managing vision loss and recommend treatments or adjustments to assistive devices as needed.
• Comprehensive Services: Visionary Eye Doctors offers a range of services to support individuals with legal blindness, including specialized eye exams, prescription eyewear, and contact lenses. Our team of experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists is dedicated to helping patients achieve the best possible vision and maintain their overall eye health.

Visionary Eye Doctors: Comprehensive Eye Care for All Levels of Refractive Error

At Visionary Eye Doctors, we understand the profound impact that legal blindness can have on daily life. Our comprehensive range of services supports individuals with significant vision loss, helping them maintain independence and quality of life. We provide thorough eye exams using the latest diagnostic technology to monitor eye health and detect changes in vision. Our selection of prescription eyewear, including specialized glasses and contact lenses, is tailored to meet the unique needs of our patients.

We utilize Optomap technology for detailed retinal imaging without the need for dilation, aiding in early detection and management of conditions leading to legal blindness. Our treatment options include the latest advancements in eye care, from innovative surgical techniques to state-of-the-art visual aids, ensuring effective care.

Our experienced team provides personalized care, developing tailored treatment plans that maximize remaining vision and improve quality of life. We offer ongoing support and guidance, helping you navigate the challenges of legal blindness with confidence.

If you or a loved one is experiencing significant vision loss, seeking professional eye care is crucial. Regular eye exams and early intervention can make a significant difference in managing legal blindness and preserving vision. At Visionary Eye Doctors, we are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes for your eye health.

Take the next step in managing your vision health by scheduling an appointment with Visionary Eye Doctors. Contact us today to book an eye exam or consultation and learn more about how we can help you maintain your independence and quality of life.

Summer is a season filled with vibrant outdoor activities, from beach outings to long, sunlit walks. However, amidst all the fun, it’s crucial to consider eye health safety to ensure the season remains enjoyable without any mishaps. If you find yourself with sunscreen in your eyes, follow these quick steps for relief:

1. Remove Contact Lenses: If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately to prevent further irritation and to allow thorough rinsing of the eyes.
2. Wipe Excess Sunscreen: Carefully wipe around your eyes with a soft cloth to remove any excess sunscreen. Avoid touching the eye directly to prevent additional irritation.
3. Flush Your Eyes: Hold your eye open under a stream of cool, clean water, or use a saline solution for at least 15 minutes. Blink regularly to help expel the sunscreen from your eye naturally.
4. Apply Eye Drops: After flushing, use lubricating eye drops that do not contain preservatives to soothe irritation. These drops can be applied every hour as needed to relieve discomfort.
5. Rest Your Eyes: Avoid using contact lenses and minimize exposure to bright sun for at least 48 hours after the incident to allow your eyes to recover fully. You can also apply a cold compress to constrict swollen blood vessels and relieve pain.

By following these steps, you can quickly address the discomfort of sunscreen in your eyes and get back to enjoying your summer safely. With those tips in mind, let’s hop into some other considerations for your eye health this summer!

Understanding the Risks of Sunscreen in Your Eyes

Sunscreen is vital for protecting our skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, but it can be a source of discomfort and potential harm when it gets into our eyes. Here’s what you need to know about the risks associated with sunscreen in your eyes and how to mitigate them:

• Chemical Irritants: Many sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and other active ingredients that can cause a burning sensation or temporary visual disturbance when they come into contact with the eye’s delicate tissues.
• Allergic Reactions: Individuals with sensitive skin may experience allergic reactions not just on their skin but also in their eyes. Ingredients in some chemical sunscreens can trigger redness, swelling, and intense irritation.
• Potential for Permanent Damage: While rare, prolonged exposure to certain sunscreen chemicals without proper rinsing can lead to more severe eye conditions, such as corneal abrasion or permanent damage to the eye’s surface. It is worth noting the Poison Control Center and the Food and Drug Administration have no documented cases of sunscreen causing permanent damage.
• Protection Strategies: To minimize the risk, always apply sunscreen carefully around the eyes, use formulations labeled as non-irritating or designed for sensitive skin, and consider the use of physical barriers such as UV-blocking sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.
• Immediate Action is Crucial: If sunscreen does get into your eyes, immediate flushing with clean water or a saline solution is crucial to remove the irritant and reduce the risk of any long-term damage.

Understanding these risks and how to respond effectively can help ensure that your vision remains unimpacted as you enjoy the sunny days of summer.

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Eye Safety

Selecting the right sunscreen is essential not only for skin protection but also for preventing discomfort and damage to the eyes. Here are some preventative measures to ensure you choose and apply sunscreen in a way that keeps your eyes safe:

• Avoid Spraying Near the Face: Never spray sunscreen directly on your face. Instead, spray it onto your hands and then apply it to your face to control the application and prevent it from getting into your eyes.
• Supervise Children: Children are more likely to rub their eyes, so it’s important to supervise their sunscreen application. Apply sunscreen for them, ensuring it’s well away from a child’s eyes.
• Secure Sunscreen Storage: Always keep sunscreen out of reach of children to prevent accidental contact with their eyes.
• Thorough Application: Rub sunscreen in completely to prevent it from running into the eyes, especially if you sweat or swim.
• Avoid Eye Area: Be cautious when applying sunscreen around your eyes. Consider using sunscreen sticks for a more precise application that’s less likely to spread into the eyes.
• Wear Protective Eyewear: Large UV-blocking sunglasses will protect not just your eyes but also the sensitive skin around them from UV rays and accidental sunscreen exposure.
• Choose Mineral Sunscreens: Opt for mineral sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These are less likely to irritate the eyes and are generally safer for sensitive skin types.
• Look for Eye-Safe Labels: Some sunscreens are specifically formulated to be non-irritating and safe for use around the eyes. Look for products that are labeled as suitable for sensitive skin or are ophthalmologist-tested.

By following these preventative measures, you can enjoy the sun safely without compromising the health and comfort of your eyes.

Other Summer Eye Health Considerations

Summer is not only about sun protection; several other factors can impact eye health during the warmer months. Here are additional considerations to keep in mind:

Chlorine and Pool Water

• Protection from Chlorine: Swimming pools can be tough on your eyes due to chlorine, which can strip away the tear film that protects your eyes, leading to dry eyes and irritation. Wear watertight goggles while swimming to protect your eyes from chlorine.
• Post-Swim Care: Always rinse your eyes with fresh, clean water after swimming in a chlorinated pool to restore moisture and remove any residual chlorine that could cause discomfort.

Salt Water and Ocean Safety

• Natural Irritants: Ocean water contains natural salts and biological matter that can irritate your eyes. Like with pools, wearing goggles while swimming in the ocean can prevent irritation.
• Rinse After Swimming: Make it a habit to rinse your eyes with fresh water immediately after swimming in the ocean to remove salt and other irritants.

UV Exposure and Pterygium

• Long-Term Sun Damage: Extended exposure to UV rays can lead to pterygium, a growth on the eyeball that can obstruct vision. This is particularly common among surfers and those who spend a lot of time in sunny, sandy, or windy environments.
• Proper Eye Protection Measures: Wear UV-blocking sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat that covers the entire eye area. Ensure your sunglasses meet the recommended UV protection standards to effectively shield your eyes from ultraviolet radiation.

Reflective Surfaces and Snow Blindness

• Reflection from Surfaces: Water, sand, and other reflective surfaces can increase UV exposure dramatically, potentially leading to photokeratitis, also known as snow blindness.
• Appropriate Eyewear: Use sunglasses with a wrap-around design to protect against UV rays coming from different angles. This is especially important in environments with high glare, such as beaches or snowy areas.

By taking these specific precautions, you can protect your eyes from common summer hazards and enjoy the season without compromising your eye health.

Visionary Eye Doctors and Your Eye Health

As we soak up the summer sun and partake in seasonal activities, it’s vital to ensure that our eye health remains a top priority. At Visionary Eye Doctors, we combine medical expertise with genuine kindness, offering both advanced technology and personalized care to address your unique eye health needs. Whether you’re dealing with minor irritations from sunscreen or more complex conditions, our skilled team is ready to provide the highest level of care.

We emphasize the importance of preventative care and patient education to help you understand the risks associated with sun exposure and the best practices for eye safety. By providing tailored advice on everything from the selection of UV-blocking sunglasses to proper eye hygiene, we aim to prevent eye health issues before they start.

We encourage everyone to visit our offices in Maryland or D.C. for a comprehensive eye exam. Regular check-ups are crucial for maintaining excellent eye health and can help detect and mitigate potential issues early. At Visionary Eye Doctors, we are committed to ensuring that your vision remains clear and protected, so you can continue to enjoy the beauty of summer without compromise.

Good vision is an indispensable part of our lives, impacting our learning, understanding, and daily interactions. When our visual acuity weakens, tasks that were once effortless can become challenging. Two of the most common refractive errors affecting numerous people are presbyopia and myopia. This blog aims not just to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of these vision problems but also to shed light on their effective solutions.

Presbyopia and myopia might seem intimidating health jargon, but let’s simplify. Myopia, most commonly known as nearsightedness, impedes your ability to see distant objects clearly, while presbyopia, frequently referred to as age-related farsightedness, hampers your clear vision of nearby objects. By throwing light on the distinguishing features of these conditions, this blog will make you well-versed in these vision problems and the comprehensive solutions we can offer.

At Visionary Eye Doctors, our passion for visual wellness drives us to deliver unparalleled patient-centric eye care. We leverage our medical expertise and state-of-the-art technology to address visual impairments, like presbyopia and myopia, ensuring an exceptional eye health experience tailored to your individual needs.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that affects a large part of the population. In simple terms, someone with myopia can see near objects clearly but struggles with blurry vision when looking at distant objects. This happens due to the elongation of the eye resulting in light rays falling in front of the retina instead of directly onto it.

A critical concern about myopia is that it’s not just about blurry distance vision; it also carries with it risks for serious eye conditions like retinal detachment, especially for those with high myopia. The symptoms of this visual disorder usually begin in childhood, as the child may frequently squint or sit too close to the television. Other common signs include difficulty in reading the whiteboard at school, mistaking people or objects at a distance, and suffering headaches due to eye strain.

At Visionary Eye Doctors, we begin addressing myopia with a comprehensive eye exam. This helps us evaluate the extent of your myopia and formulate a plan to manage it effectively. If you or your child is grappling with these symptoms, we urge you to schedule an eye exam.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach for myopia control. Instead, there are numerous factors like age, lifestyle, prescription, and patient preference in choosing the correct solution. This could range from corrective eyewear in the form of glasses or soft contact lenses to more sophisticated solutions like laser eye surgery or monovision LASIK for suitable candidates. By accurately focusing light rays onto your retina, these treatments can yield clear vision across different distances, eliminating the undesirable effects of myopia.

Whether you prefer the convenience of wearing glasses or are inclined to the lasting results of refractive surgery, we ensure that you receive the most suitable solution for your condition. With us, you can trust that your vision is in the hands of experts who combine best practices with advanced technology to achieve optimal outcomes.

Delving into Presbyopia

An inevitable part of aging, presbyopia, often raises its head around the age of 40. Unlike myopia, presbyopia affects near vision, meaning that your eyes struggle to focus on close objects, which can make activities like reading or sewing a challenge. This natural condition stems from the gradual loss of flexibility of the crystalline lens inside our eyes, disrupting our clear vision.

Presbyopia typically presents a unique set of symptoms, easily noticeable during daily routines. You might find yourself holding your phone or book at arm’s length to read the text clearly or experience eye strain, headaches, and fatigue after doing close-up work. Sudden difficulty in reading small print, especially in low light conditions, is also a common sign of presbyopia.

We understand the impact of these vision changes on your life. Our services encompass comprehensive eye exams that allow us to examine the health of your eyes and detect presbyopia. If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms, we encourage you to confront them by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam.

Our presbyopia solutions range from reading glasses to multifocal contact lenses and refractive lens exchange. Reading glasses provide a simple yet effective method to counter presbyopia by providing magnification for close objects. However, if you’re already wearing corrective lenses for myopia, multifocal or bifocal contact lenses may prove to be a more seamless solution by allowing you to see across different distances through one lens. For those seeking a more permanent solution, refractive lens exchange might be an appropriate route. This procedure involves replacing the stiff crystalline lens with a synthetic lens that restores near sight.

Regardless of the solution that suits your lifestyle and vision requirement, you can trust Visionary Eye Doctors to offer personalized care and the latest technological solutions to meet your needs.

Comparing Presbyopia and Myopia Treatments

Now that we’ve unpacked the individual nature of both presbyopia and myopia, let’s cast our eyes on how their treatments align and differ. While glasses and contact lenses serve as common solutions for both, depending on individual needs and situations, one may consider more advanced treatment options.

LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea and corrects its focal point, providing a common solution for both conditions. For myopia, LASIK helps focus light on the retina, thus improving distance vision, whereas, for presbyopia, a practice known as monovision LASIK can be utilized where one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision.

Multifocal lenses are another shared solution for both presbyopia and myopia. By providing different lens powers for near, intermediate, and distance vision, these corrective lenses provide a seamless transition between varying distances. For myopia, multifocal lenses may also help slow down the progression of the condition in children.

As we explore these various solutions for vision correction, we underline that prescriptive decisions always rest on individual implications. Different methods may work best under different circumstances, and our team of experienced eye doctors is here to guide you along the way to make the best choice for your eyes.

Visionary Eye Doctors’ Contribution

At Visionary Eye Doctors, we are steadfastly committed to a patient-centric approach, always in relentless pursuit of vision improvement. By melding unparalleled medical expertise with state-of-the-art technology, we strive to deliver optimal vision care tailored to the individual needs of our patients. Our dedicated team of expert optometrists consistently demonstrates an immense commitment and passion, offering personalized and effective solutions for refractive errors, such as presbyopia and myopia.

Achieving crystal clear vision for our patients is not merely a professional commitment—it’s our life’s mission. It’s what propels us to incorporate the most advanced equipment and practices available in ophthalmological care. This unwavering dedication to excellence has transformed us into a destination practice, attracting clients from across the United States and beyond, all in search of our specialized services.

Our focus is steadfastly on delivering supreme eye care. We prioritize quality, impactful interactions over the number of procedures, with the ultimate goal of protecting and enhancing your vision by utilizing the most effective means and the latest technology available.

We are proud to offer LASIK surgery—a groundbreaking procedure designed to correct vision impairments and potentially eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Our highly trained and experienced surgeons utilize cutting-edge technology to achieve precise and optimal results, emphasizing safety and patient comfort throughout the procedure.

In addition to LASIK, we also provide highly customized contact lens fittings, ensuring every patient receives lenses that are the perfect fit and suitable for their unique lifestyle. We conduct comprehensive evaluations and offer professional advice to help each individual find the most comfortable and effective contact lenses.

Visitors to our practice can also explore our optical boutiques, where we showcase a wide range of high-quality, stylish eyewear from renowned brands. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to assist in selecting the perfect frames that not only meet vision needs but also complement personal style beautifully.

Routine eye exams are an integral part of our offerings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining eye health through regular check-ups. These exams are pivotal for the early detection and treatment of visual concerns, as they allow for a thorough assessment of eye health and visual acuity, ensuring any necessary corrective measures are identified and addressed promptly.

To sum up our comprehensive overview of Visionary Eye Doctors’ services, regular eye exams, regardless of age or health status, are a cornerstone of preventive eye care, enabling the early detection and intervention of vision issues. Trust us to present the best options for treating your eyes and vision. Your vision is invaluable, and it should never be taken for granted.

Join Us for an Exceptional Eye Care Experience

We are not just here to provide treatments; we aim to offer comfort, understanding, and steadfast support on your journey to optimal vision. Take a step toward clear vision and experience exceptional patient care with us at Visionary Eye Doctors. We are eagerly waiting to welcome you to our offices and assist you on your journey towards optimal vision.

Visionary Eye Doctors is more than an eye care provider; we are your partner in preserving and enhancing your vision health, relentlessly endeavoring to offer the best in eye care services. Whether you need LASIK, contact lenses, stylish eyewear, or a routine check-up, we are here to provide personalized and compassionate care every step of the way. So, come and embark on this journey to clearer vision together! 

Astigmatism and myopia are two of the most common vision problems. There are similarities and differences between these two conditions, but they can also occur simultaneously. Known as refractive errors, both eye problems impact how your eyes focus light. It’s essential to know the difference between the two so that you fully understand your eye care needs.

While we can correct astigmatism and myopia with contact lenses and eyeglasses, they require different types of corrections. Astigmatism requires vision correction with cylindrical power. Laser correction surgery can typically assist with both vision problems, depending on the severity of your condition. When you understand the difference between astigmatism and myopia, you can take an active part in your eye health.

If you notice symptoms that include eye strain, headaches, and blurry distance vision, see one of our experienced eye doctors for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. At Visionary Eye Doctors, your eye health and overall well-being are the main focus of our practice. Let us help you maintain clear vision for a lifetime.

Understanding Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when your cornea, which is the front surface of your eye, has an irregular shape. An irregularly shaped lens can also cause astigmatism. If you have astigmatism, your eye bends light in various directions instead of focusing light on a common point. You may experience eye strain, headaches, and poor night vision, as well as blurry vision at near and far distances. Many people are born with astigmatism which may be accompanied by farsightedness or nearsightedness (myopia).

Early diagnosis is key. That’s why it’s essential to schedule comprehensive eye exams. You should also contact our eye experts whenever you have a question about your vision. During your examination, you’ll receive a variety of tests to evaluate how your eyes bend light. Bright lighting and prescription contact lenses or eyeglasses can compensate for astigmatism, restoring clear vision. Laser correction surgery provides a more permanent solution, and most people can benefit from LASIK for astigmatism.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia is commonly referred to as nearsightedness. An elongated eyeball or curved cornea interferes with light rays entering the eye. This causes light to focus in front of the retina, so far objects appear unclear. However, you may clearly see near objects. Symptoms include squinting, eye strain, and headaches. This condition typically appears in childhood and may worsen as you grow older.

Treating myopia early can help prevent vision-threatening problems that may develop as you age. So, bring your children in for regular eye exams and schedule appointments to safeguard your eyesight. Your eye doctor will examine the structures of your eyes and test your vision to diagnose astigmatism, myopia, and other refractive errors.

Differentiating Astigmatism and Myopia

The visual characteristics of astigmatism and myopia differ based on how severe the condition is. However, they do share some common symptoms. While people with astigmatism have blurry vision at every distance, myopia typically does not impact near vision.

At the same time, both conditions cause eye strain and headaches. However, astigmatism may make night driving harder while myopia makes it difficult to see the whiteboard in school. Another key difference is that astigmatism requires eyeglasses or contact lenses with cylindrical power. Myopia requires vision aids that compensate for refractive errors.

Treatment Options for Astigmatism

Our team can typically treat astigmatism with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Eyeglasses for Astigmatism

Eyeglasses with corrective lenses make up for an unevenly shaped eye. The lenses bend light so that it focuses on the retina. Some people prefer eyeglasses to contact lenses because they feel they are more comfortable and easier to use.

Contact Lenses to Treat Astigmatism

Like eyeglasses, contact lenses can correct most astigmatism. Toric contact lenses are designed to address astigmatism and are the most common type used to restore vision for this condition. The special shape of these lenses corrects for a misshaped lens or cornea.

You may opt for rigid contact lenses designed to correct the curvature of the eye. This process is called orthokeratology. Gradually, you’ll wear the lenses less often as your eye shape evens out. However, discontinuing the treatment may result in recurring refractive errors. Additionally, orthokeratology is more suited for mild to moderate cases of astigmatism.

Many people prefer contact lenses because they don’t want the inconvenience of wearing glasses. You may also prefer the look of contact lenses, which aren’t noticeable. However, it’s important to avoid wearing contact lenses for extended periods and use proper hygiene to store and clean them.

Ask your eye doctor about the pros and cons of contact lenses versus eyeglasses to treat your astigmatism.

Astigmatism Refractive Surgery

Our eye surgeon uses a laser beam to reshape your cornea and reverse the refractive error associated with astigmatism. You’ll undergo a thorough evaluation to determine whether you’re a good candidate for refractive surgery and which procedure would work best for you.

Here are the different kinds of surgery for astigmatism:

• Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Using an excimer laser, our eye surgeon will make a hinged flap in the cornea and then sculpt the cornea to the appropriate shape.
• Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). In this procedure, the protective cover is removed before the surgeon reshapes the cornea. The protective cover grows back naturally.

Treatment Options for Myopia

Eyeglasses and contact lenses are the primary methods of correcting myopia. However, there are also surgical options, including LASIK, PRK, and implantable lenses. Your eye doctor can help you determine the best method for your vision and lifestyle needs.

Eyeglasses for Myopia

Glasses are an effective solution to correct myopia. When you wear prescription eyeglasses, they change how light hits the retina to correct refractive errors. Eyeglasses are an ideal solution for children and adults with myopia and your eye doctor can provide a prescription following a routine eye exam.

Contact Lenses to Treat Myopia

Using the same vision tests, your doctor can provide a prescription for contact lenses that change the way light enters the eye. Contacts float on the surface of the cornea aided by your eye’s natural lubrication. Since they are set so close to the eye, they’re much thinner than glasses.

There are many types of contact lenses used to correct myopia:

• Soft lenses are made of flexible plastic material. They cover the iris, pupil, and some of the sclera (the white part of the eye). There are many options, including daily and weekly lenses you throw out when you’re done using them.
• Rigid lenses cover the pupil and the iris and are smaller than soft contacts. You’ll usually need to remove them at night, depending on the style you choose. Extended-wear rigid lenses are also available.
• Implantable Contact Lenses require surgery. Your eye surgeon will implant an aphakic IOL (intraocular lens) between the iris and your natural lens. Another kind of ICL is positioned between the cornea and the iris. These lenses can be removed if needed.
• Overnight contacts for myopia work the same way as orthokeratology contact lenses for astigmatism. They are worn only at night, and you’ll see clearly throughout the entire day. You have to wear ortho-k contacts every night to maintain your vision.

Myopia Corrective Eye Surgery

The only permanent treatment option for myopia is refractive surgery. Options include:

• Custom LASIK surgery (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) corrects myopia and other refractive errors. It works the same way as LASIK for astigmatism.
• Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is less invasive and is performed directly on the surface of the eye. It’s a good option if you have a thin cornea or dry eyes.
• Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) involves taking out your natural lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens implant (IOL). With RLE, you won’t have to worry about cataracts since the artificial lens will not deteriorate.

Coexistence of Astigmatism and Myopia

Having both irregular astigmatism and myopia is clearly not winning the vision lottery. However, these conditions can and do frequently coexist. If your cornea is too long and oddly shaped, symptoms may include blurrier vision than either of these conditions alone.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you have both astigmatism and myopia:

• Prescription contact lenses or eyeglasses must correct for both conditions.
• You may still notice some blurry vision, even when wearing your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
• You may need to wear your glasses or contact lenses at all times for both near and distant vision.
• Consider refractive surgery for a more permanent solution.

Lifestyle and Prevention Tips

You can sometimes prevent or slow the progression of astigmatism and myopia by following these tips:

• Limit time on digital devices, taking frequent breaks.
• Don’t read or work in dim light.
• Go outdoors and expose your eyes to natural light and distant objects.
• Wear sunglasses to block harmful UVA and UVB rays.
• Eat healthy foods that provide your eyes with essential nutrients.
• Schedule regular eye exams to prevent or detect any vision problems.

Visionary Eye Doctors provide LASIK and other refractive surgeries as well as prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Contact us today for assistance overcoming myopia and astigmatism and restored vision.

Imagine a life without glasses: no foggy lenses, no stopping to take them off before a workout, and no anxiety about losing or breaking them. If you wear glasses, you probably agree that those benefits sound pretty good! However, some common myths about contact lenses might be keeping you from making the switch to a simpler form of vision correction. Let’s delve into these misleading myths and learn why contact lenses just might be the change you need.

Myth 1: I’m too old for contact lenses

The only age restriction for contact lenses is whether you’re old enough. In the past, older adults were told not to wear them due to their higher likelihood of suffering from dry eyes or presbyopia (also called aging eye condition). The materials that contact lenses were made from in the past could make these conditions worse. Contact lenses are now made from a variety of materials, and your eye doctor can help you choose the best option for any eye condition you may have. These days, there are contacts specifically made for people who suffer from dry eyes. Some of them even contain added fluid to help moisturize your eyes, which helps to relieve the symptoms of dry eye.

Myth 2: Contact lenses can get stuck behind your eye

This is a scary one! Fortunately, it is not physically possible for a contact lens to get behind your eye. Our eyes are covered by a membrane that connects to the back of our eyelids to prevent anything from going behind the eye. If you can’t find your contact lens, it is most likely hiding under your upper eyelid. A contact lens can get “stuck” in your eye, but it is usually a soft lens and it cannot possibly migrate behind your eyeball. Adhering to proper guidelines for wearing your contact lenses will prevent them from getting stuck.

Myth 3: Contact lenses are too expensive

There are many options when purchasing contact lenses, and you should be able to work with your eye care provider to find one that fits your budget. If you have vision insurance, your policy may cover some or all of the cost of contacts, so be sure to call your insurance company for information. It’s also important to note that glasses require a large upfront investment, while contact lenses are generally a small monthly expense. While the annual cost of contact lenses might be slightly higher than that of glasses, many patients are willing to pay the difference for the freedom that contact lenses offer.

Myth 4: Contact lenses are a lot of trouble to take care of

Modern contact lenses require far less care than their predecessors. For minimal care requirements, you can choose daily disposable contact lenses, which require zero care. Even if you choose reusable contact lenses, most types can be cleaned, disinfected, and stored with one bottle of multiuse contact lens solution. Your eye care provider should instruct you on how to care for the type of contact lenses you choose. Eye infections can be easily prevented by following all instructions for the correct cleaning and storage of contact lenses.

Myth 5: Contact lenses are uncomfortable

While many contacts made 40 to 50 years ago were uncomfortable, modern contact lenses are thin, flexible, and soft. In fact, after a brief adjustment period, most people get so comfortable that they don’t even remember that they are wearing them! If you still experience discomfort after the adjustment period, there are several remedies that can help once your eye care doctor pinpoints the exact cause.

Contact Lens Services in Rockville With Visionary Eye Doctors

If you’re interested in trying contact lenses, we invite you to make an appointment with Visionary Eye Doctors. Our friendly team will help you decide if contact lenses are right for you. If you feel that you’re ready, we’ll work with you to find the best option for your eyes and lifestyle. If you’re nervous about making the change, our patient-centered team will help you test the waters with care and compassion. Nothing is more important to us than your eye health and overall well-being — and that may include beneficial lifestyle changes such as switching to contact lenses.

Call Visionary Eye Doctors at (301) 591-1763 or contact us online today to schedule an eye exam in the Washington, DC, area. We’d love to talk about switching to contact lenses!